Rush Job: Russell Simmons' 10 Biggest Fails

While Russell Simmons has brought numerous highs to the culture of Hip-Hop through his Def Jam empire, there is no excuse for his recent actions. Earlier this week Russell promoted a very insulting and inflammatory s-x tape parody spoofing Harriet Tubman. While he is regretful for his bad taste in comedy, this is another addition to Simmons’ history of occasionally poor decision-making.

The African-American abolitionist was portrayed as enjoying being raped by her slave master in return of her fellow slaves being freed. News of this terrible injustice spread throughout news media, landing the mogul in hot water.

Simmons has since released an apology stating:

“I thought it was politically correct. Silly me. I can now understand why so many people are upset. I have taken down the video. Lastly, I would never condone violence against women in any form, and for all of those I offended, I am sincerely sorry.”

We’re not refuting Russell Rush’s lengthy list of proud accomplishments; Def Jam, Def Comedy Jam, philanthropy, Phat Farm, etc. But even legends have slip-ups. Peep the following pages for 10 of Russell Simmons’ biggest missteps.

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Photo: Phat Farm

How can we forget all the hidden fees that came along with the Rush Card? Users had to pay $1.00 per transaction and were even billed when they added money via cash or check. Yikes.

Illustration: Peter Ankle

If you haven’t read Dan Charnas’ The Big Payback by now, you should. One interesting tidbit in the book, Simmons was NOT feeling Public Enemy, saying, “That sh-t’s nervous,” when Rick Rubin began pursuing the seminal act to sign with Def Jam. Rush also wasn’t trying to sign DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince (they went to Jive).

In 2006 Russell partnered up with diamond giant DeBeers who allegedly has a foul history of mining “blood diamonds” in several countries in the continent of Africa.

As captured in the Hip-Hop documentary The Show, Russell Simmons only visited Slick Rick in jail because of the film. While Rick did put people’s lives in danger, it was disappointing to see Simmons not support one of his biggest acts who made him wealthy.

After an unsuccessful attempt of purchasing The Source, Russ started his own magazine One World. It struggled to gain traction in the publishing world and folded a couple years later.

In 2000 Russ started a global online portal in 360HipHop.com. Grand opening, grand closing.

Photo: Ola Kudu

Simmons laid claim to a new Rap sub genre called horrorcore in the early 90’s. He signed a group the Flatlinerz and released their debut U.S.A. which stood for “Under Satan’s Authority”. Anymore need to be said?

Russell Rush brought Kanye West down to “observe” the Occupy Wall Street movement. Yeezy said nothing. This ish just confused everyone b.

In May 2012, Simmons came to the defense of Rihanna over an alleged Chris Brown diss. In a editorial titled “Get Off Rihanna’s D-ck,” he basically defended the Bajan Pop singer’s choice to sleep around. Yep.

Capping things off, Russell Simmons handlers dropped the ball letting this Harriet Tubman skit happen on his watch. Just a horrible look on all levels.